South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Dolphins offense should shine vs. Pats
Here’s a look at how the Dolphins and Patriots matchup in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s road game:
When the Dolphins run: The Miami Dolphins pounded New England on the ground in their last meeting. The Dolphins rushed for 250 yards and three touchdowns in that Dec. 20 meeting in Miami, but it’s hard to imagine that type of effort being replicated. The Patriots were the NFL’s 26th-ranked run defense in 2020, but they almost completely overhauled their front seven this offseason. First off, linebacker Dont’a Hightower returns in the middle after the eight-year veteran with 500 career tackles and two Pro Bowls to his credit was a COVID opt-out in 2020. They picked up former Dolphins in outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, returning to the Patriots, and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. Defensive end Henry Anderson, pass-rushing linebacker Matt Judon round out the additions, along with rookies in defensive tackle Christian Barmore and linebacker Ronnie Perkins. The Dolphins offensive line is still developing, but they can maybe find success running behind right guard Robert Hunt. Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed can be featured pass catchers, even if running holes are limited. Edge: Patriots
When the Patriots run: The Patriots had one of the better rushing offenses in the league last season, but a big chunk of that was lost on cut-down day when quarterback Cam Newton was released. Rookie QB Mac Jones won’t nearly be the same threat with his legs. Last year’s leading rusher, Damien Harris, does return his 5 yards per carry average, and the Patriots have one of the league’s better offensive lines, especially with right guard Shaq Mason as one of the most powerful run blockers. American Heritage High grad Sony Michel is no longer in New England (traded to L.A. Rams), and St. Thomas Aquinas High alum James White is more of a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. The Dolphins were a middleof-the-pack run defense (No. 16) in 2020, but they finished strong in that regard. Miami held four of its last six opponents under 100 yards rushing with the highest being 117 surrendered to the Patriots in the Week 15 win. That after opponents ran for more than 100 yards in seven of their first 10 games — two others being 99 and 98. Nose tackle Raekwon Davis’ strides heading into his second season and inside linebacker Elandon Roberts’ physicality will be key. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins pass: The Dolphins won’t have to see Stephon Gilmore, the two-time first-team All-Pro cornerback, as he begins the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list coming off surgery for a torn quadricep. The Patriots do return opposite cornerback J.C. Jackson and his nine interceptions in 2020, but maybe he can be avoided more without Gilmore on the other side. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has improved playmakers, but we already know he won’t have wide receiver Will Fuller, who is serving the final game of a suspension from last year he got while with the Houston Texans. He likely won’t have tight end Adam Shaheen either and might be without left tackle Austin Jackson. This one could go either way, all things considered. Edge: Patriots
When the Patriots pass: Do you get the idea yet? The defenses will dominate this one. There’s reason to believe Jones could be a solid NFL starter, especially with the backing of the system New England has in place, but I’m not trusting him to go out and throw all over the Dolphins. I like coach Brian Flores’ defense to confuse the first-year starter with his blitzes and different looks. The new tight end duo of Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry could find some success, but I expect the Miami secondary to mostly shut down the Pats’ receiving corps. Edge: Dolphins
Special teams: Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is back after connecting on 36 of 39 field goals and all of his extra points last season. The Patriots went with undrafted rookie Quinn Nordin over veteran Nick Folk to start the season because of Nordin’s leg and Folk dealing with an unspecified injury in the preseason. Nordin only made 10 of 15 preseason attempts between field goals and extra points. Edge: Dolphins
Intangibles: The Patriots are 17-4 at home against the Dolphins in the Bill Belichick era, but Flores, who was on the other side of many of those wins over his current team, has already proven he can go into Foxborough and take one from his mentor. Miami is also fortunate to avoid a late-season trip to New England, getting much more pleasant weather on Sunday than what it might’ve faced in December or early January. Edge: Even